Installing Docker & Basic Commands
Learn how to install Docker on your system and execute essential commands like `docker run`, `pull`, and `ps`.
Installing Docker & Basic Commands is a free Docker & Kubernetes for Developers lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 2 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Docker & Kubernetes for Developers learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Get Docker Running!
Now let's go hands-on. You'll install Docker on your machine and start running its most essential commands.
Easiest Way: Docker Desktop
On Windows or macOS, Docker Desktop is the easiest start — it bundles Docker Engine, the CLI, Compose, and a friendly GUI in one install.
Installing on Mac & Windows
Install Docker Desktop: on Mac drag it to Applications; on Windows run the .exe (WSL 2 may be needed). Then launch it and watch for the whale icon.
Installing on Linux Systems
On Linux you install Docker Engine through your package manager — apt, dnf, or yum. Always check the official docs for your exact distro.
Verify Your Docker Install
Confirm the install worked. Run docker --version in your terminal to print the Docker client version.
docker --versionDocker System Info
Need the full picture? docker info dumps server version, storage driver, and config details — perfect for troubleshooting your environment.
docker infoGetting Images: `docker pull`
Before you can run anything you need an image. docker pull downloads one from a registry like Docker Hub to your local machine.
docker pull hello-worldRun Your First Container!
docker run creates and starts a container from an image, pulling it first if it's missing. The command below runs the classic hello-world.
docker run hello-worldSee Running Containers: `docker ps`
docker ps lists your running containers. Add the -a flag to include stopped ones too, like that hello-world that already exited.
docker ps -aCheck Your Understanding
It's time for a quick check on the commands we've just covered.
Recap: Docker Installed & Ready!
Recap: you can install Docker, verify it with docker --version and info, and use pull, run, and ps to fetch images and manage containers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Installing Docker & Basic Commands” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Installing Docker & Basic Commands” is free to read here on the web, and the Docker & Kubernetes for Developers course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Docker & Kubernetes for Developers course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Installing Docker & Basic Commands”?
Learn how to install Docker on your system and execute essential commands like `docker run`, `pull`, and `ps`. You practise Docker & Kubernetes for Developers with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Docker & Kubernetes for Developers?
No prior experience is required. Docker & Kubernetes for Developers on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 2 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Installing Docker & Basic Commands” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Docker & Kubernetes for Developers lesson?
Yes. Every Docker & Kubernetes for Developers lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Introduction to Containerization
- Installing Docker & Basic Commands
- Running Your First Container
- Managing Docker Images and Containers